Willamette Swim School

The purpose of the Willamette Swim School is to provide quality stroke instruction to your child with the utmost regard for water safety and current ability. We accomplish this task by providing experienced instructors, fun, well-prepared classes for your child. and goals so that they can progress their skills.

The Willamette Swim School Director is Leslie Shevlin, Head Swim Coach at Willamette University.

For more information please contact Assistant Director Chris Whitehead at 503.720.6180 or cwhitehe@willamette.edu

Location

Willamette Swim School takes place at the Willamette University Natatorium in the Sparks Center on the Willamette University campus. Parking at Willamette is free during Swim School sessions.

Cancellation policy

Classes will be held only if there is more than one child participating. Parents will be notified of any changes one week prior to the start of the session.

Classes Offered

Cub Cat 1

An entry level class for our young swimmers. Instructors teach basic water skills while emphasizing pool safety and fun. Skills include safe pool entry and exit, blowing bubbles, bobs, and floating on both front and back. These classes are taught with no more that 3 students per teacher.

Cub Cat 2

Building off the skills taught in Cub Cat 1, students learn to glide and kick on their back and front. This class may also teach freestyle arms, backstroke arms, beginning side breathing and jumping into deep water and swimming to safety. Classes are taught with no more than 3 students per instructor. Skills include stroke kick, elementary backstroke, survival floating and preliminary flip turn and diving skills. These classes are taught with no more than 4 students per teacher

Level 1

An introductory class for novices. Skills taught include back and front float, breath holding, exhaling in water, front and back, sculling, kicking and water safety and respect. These classes are taught with no more than 4 students per teacher.

Level 2

Skills taught: kicking on back and front, rhythmic breathing, full arm movements for freestyle and backstroke (for 10-15 yards). Possible skills included: breaststroke kick, elementary backstroke, survival floating and preliminary flip turn and diving skills. These classes are taught with no more than 4 students per teacher.

Level 3

Continues to develop stroke technique for freestyle and backstroke, teach proper movements for breaststroke and butterfly and flip turn and diving skills. These classes are taught with no more than 5 students per teacher.

Pre-Competitive

Continues to develop stroke technique for the four strokes, flip turns and diving. This class is also designed to build your child’s confidence and endurance in preparation for competitive swimming. These classes are taught with no more than 5 students per instructor.

Private Lessons

Willamette Swim School also offers private lessons. Please contact Swim School director Leslie Shevlin for more information. Thirty-minute lessons are $20 and five lessons are $85.